Q1: What are the expenses for participating in the Summer Volunteer Program?
Each volunteer is expected to be self-funded. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and food expenses during the official program period, estimated at around 250USD, as well as expenses for traveling to and from Beijing before and after our program. Volunteers will directly pay for their own expenses during the program. Dream Corps will be responsible for the costs of the library and reading programs (i.e. costs for books, equipments, librarian training etc).
Q2: What types of external funding can I obtain to volunteer to Dream Corps?
Most Universities in the US and Canada provide numerous funding opportunities to cover the costs (usually include air-fare) of their students summer volunteer-based activities. In the past, we have had volunteers who were funded by programs of Duke University, Harvard University, and University of Virginia. We strongly encourage all applicants to take advantage of such opportunities from their respective campuses. Our Recruitment Committee is more than happy to provide assistance with any paper work to accepted volunteers. Please note that many campus-based grants have deadlines that are ahead of our application deadline, therefore your immediate action is strongly advised.
Q3: What are the main criteria for volunteer selection?
We welcome applicants of all age (18 years and older), nationality, ethnic and educational backgrounds. An ideal applicant is a mature undergraduate student, a graduate student or a young professional who demonstrates genuine interest in the educational development in China and strong desire to contribute to the non-profit sector. In addition, we strongly value an applicant’s leadership experiences, compassion, teamwork and the ability to adapt to harsh living environments and new cultures. Finally, reading and spoken Mandarin is a strong asset.
Q4: Can I apply if I am currently attending high school?
While Dream Corps deeply appreciate the passion and ability in the high school student population, we encourage them to apply after they enter University or employment. If you are in the graduating year of high school, and will be of 18 years of age or older by the beginning of the summer program, you may be considered in special cases.
Q5 : How will each volunteer be assigned to a specific program site?
Our Recruitment, Training, and Sites Committees will work together and strive to match the talents (such as English teaching, librarian experience, computer proficiency etc) of each successful applicant to the unique needs of each site. If you have preferences for particular types of sites, please specify during your phone interview.
Q6: Approximately how many volunteers will be selected this year?
As in previous years, we will be selecting between 35 and 40 volunteers.
Q7: If selected as a volunteer, when will I be notified?
The first round of acceptance letters will be sent out via email at the beginning of March and a second round around March 20. We will strive to finalize selection as early as possible to allow time for everyone to make their travel preparations.
Q8: Once I confirm my acceptance, how should I better prepare myself for the summer program?
After you confirm your acceptance in March, you will receive online training for approximately 3-4 weeks (see Q10 for more details). You will also receive a pre-departure training package via email, which will include practical traveling information regarding obtaining your visa, suggested vaccinations, what to bring etc. Also, an online platform will be set up for you to meet the other volunteers and begin your team discussions.
Q9: What is expected from the online training?
Online training is required for all accepted applicants and is an integral part of the summer volunteer program. We expect every accepted applicants to actively participate. Online training will begin soon after you confirm your acceptance to the volunteer program and will run for 3-4 weeks. You will be expected to complete weekly readings about international development in general and Dream Corps programs in particular, and to provide your responses to certain topic discussions. There will also be a chance for you to begin planning and discussing the summer project with your team members. The expected amount of time spent per week is about 2-4 hours.
Q10: What if I cannot participate for the entire duration of the program?
To ensure the quality of our volunteer work, as well as due to safety and logistical concerns, we do not accept applicants who can only attend part of our summer program. If time conflict arises after the submission of your application, please notify us as soon as possible.